The following May 17, 1945, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 5, column 1:
Shelby Boy Wins Citation
With the 5th Army, Italy -- Pfc. Howard Stinnett, a rifleman, whose mother, Mrs. Anna Gregg, lives in Shelby, has been cited by the 86th Mountain regiment of the 10th "Mountaineer" division and awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge for actual participation in combat against the enemy on the Fifth Army front in Italy.
Standards for the badge are high. The decoration is awarded to the infantry soldier who has proved his fighting ability in combat.
The handsome badge consists of silver rifle set against a background of infantry blue, enclosed in a silver wreath.